Early term effects of robotic assisted gait training on ambulation and functional capacity in patients with spinal cord injury

This study investigates the use of robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to improve their walking ability and reduce disability. RAGT involves using robotic devices to help patients perform repetitive and intensive exercises without excessive fatigue. The study compares a group receiving RAGT combined with conventional therapy to a control group receiving only conventional therapy. The outcomes were measured using the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II (WISCI-II) and the functional independence measure (FIM). The results showed that both groups improved, but the RAGT group had significantly greater improvements in walking ability (WISCI-II) and functional independence (FIM) compared to the control group, suggesting RAGT's effectiveness as an adjunctive therapy.

• 1
  Both groups showed significant improvements in WISCI-II and FIM scores after rehabilitation.
• 2
  The robotic group exhibited a significantly higher improvement in WISCI-II scores compared to the control group (P = 0.011).
• 3
  The robotic group also showed a significantly higher improvement in FIM scores compared to the control group (P = 0.022).